The Boston Police Department reports officers had to use pepper spray to control an unruly mob of people caught breaking into the cafeteria at Carney Hospital Sunday night.

Police say security guards at the hospital requested police around 9:15 p.m. when they noticed several people had lifted the metal grate securing the closed cafeteria and were busy removing various items:

"When officers attempted to speak to the suspects about the incident, the suspects began to verbally disrespect and disparage the officers. When officers attempted to handcuff one of the suspects, the suspect being handcuffed and others began to physically push and punch the officers."

Police say officers were forced to break out their pepper spray to subdue the alleged hellions and that several officers and bystanders inadvertently got sprayed.

Six people, ranging in age from 17 to 37, mostly from Boston but with one from New Hampshire, were arrested on a variety of charges, including breaking and entering and assault and battery on a police officer, police say.